During the Galactic Empire's reign over the galaxy, ruica seeds were transported from the world of Broest to the planetAlderaan, where farmers grew the plant for food. During her childhood on Alderaan, PrincessLeia Organa was served ruica but did not like its taste and complained about eating the plant. Her adoptive father, Bail Organa, persuaded her to eat ruica by telling her about the effort that had been made to bring the plant to Alderaan, also claiming that it would make her strong. While later sparring with a partner, the princess's opponent asked how she was so strong, and Leia claimed it was due to the ruica in her diet, causing the partner to laugh.[1]

In the year0 ABY,[2] following the Empire's destruction of Alderaan, Organa—now a member of the Rebel Alliance—ate ruica with the Alliance pilotEvaan Verlaine who had prepared it for her while the pair traveled together on a T-1 shuttle to the planet Naboo. Verlaine enjoyed the dish but Organa was at first hesitant to eat it, being reminded of her lost home and father. However, when the pilot asked if the princess liked the dish, she claimed she liked it just fine.[1]